Category: Events

Fourth of July Events in Eastern Tennessee

by Noah Ryan
orange fireworks over water
Courtesy of 9 Lakes of East Tennessee
  • The Lakes Region of Tennessee features several July Fourth events:
    • Kahite Water Ski Show and Town Parade
    • Lenoir City’s Rockin’ the Docks
    • Concord Boat Dock Celebration
    • Fireworks Over Fort Loudoun

Contributing Author: Bill Lang

July 4th, along Tellico Lake in Eastern Tennessee, inspires images of picnicking families listening to live music under the fireworks. This patriotic holiday offers a slower pace for families and friends to take a break and celebrate America’s freedom. For a group of senior citizens, the day is a little different as they prepare to put on a water ski show along Tellico Lake to the delight of the crowds. 

Eastern Tennessee is renowned for its stunning lakes and is home to some of the most exciting Independence Day celebrations. Check out some of these must-see events to attend this year.

Kahite Water Ski Show and Town Parade

a group of water skiers behind a boat with an American flag
FROGGS Courtesy of Derek McCurry

For Jim Riley, Doug McCurry, and their retired friends, July 4th means strapping on water skis and putting on a show for the Kahite community along Tellico Lake. Jim and Doug are members of FROGGS, which means Fun Retired Old Guys & Gals Skiing, although they include a few “almost retired” skiers, primarily in their 60s, 70s, and 80s. FROGGS performs a choreographed water ski show each July 4th during the Kahite Boat Parade at Tellico Village. Wearing red, white, and blue while sporting American flags, the FROGGS has become a crowd favorite at the waterfront event. The 2022 show featured eight water skiers behind one boat, with the oldest skier being 81.

The FROGGS patriotic ski salute will be on Monday, July 3, just before sunset in the Kahite neighborhood in Tellico Village. Visitors can watch from the shore or take a boat out on the lake to get a closer look. Proceeds for the waterfront festivities benefit Isaiah House, a temporary home for children going into the foster care system.

In addition to the FROGGS water ski display, Kahite also hosts a July 4th parade that morning, and participants are encouraged to decorate the vehicles with a patriotic theme. The town parade takes place on July 4th and is free to attend. For more information on the parade and other July 4th festivities, visit www.tellicovillage.org.  

Lenoir City’s Rockin’ the Docks

A graphic from Lenoir City's Rockin' the Docks
Courtesy of LenoirCityTN.gov

For Lenoir City, one of the most popular events around the 4th of July is the Rockin’ the Docks concert series. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, July 1st, from 1:00 to 10:30 p.m. Rockin’ The Docks features live music, various food vendors, and a fireworks display over Fort Loudoun Lake. For 2023, Tennessee natives RMS and Cole Sitzlar will be the opening acts for headliner WIMZ Garage Band.  Additionally, the free event is open to the public, making it a perfect choice for families and groups of friends. Rockin’ the Docks takes place at Lenoir City Park, which is located at 6707 City Park Dr, Lenoir City, TN 37771. For more details, visit www.visitloudoncounty.com. 

Concord Boat Dock Celebration

Another event to check out is the Concord Boat Dock’s July 4th celebration. The festivities kick off with a boat parade on Tellico Lake, starting from the Concord Marina. Afterward, visitors can enjoy food vendors, live music, and a fireworks display over the water. The event is free to attend, but there is a fee for parking at the marina.

Boat lovers should consider joining the Nautical Boat Club on Fort Loudoun Lake. The Nautical Boat Club is known as the first and only boating country club in the country. Boat options include both competition wakeboard boats and sport boats, plus tri-toon and double-decker party boats. Concord Marina also offers boat slip rentals, as well as a variety of boats for rent. Regardless of location, schedule early for the best availability over the busy July 4th holiday. The Concord Marina is located at 10903 Concord Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922. www.concordmarina.com.

Fireworks Over Fort Loudoun

a crowd, disco ball, and fireworks in Knoxville
Courtesy of City of Knoxville

If you’re in the Knoxville area, the fireworks show over Fort Loudoun Lake is a must-see. There are numerous locations to lay your blankets and prepare for this free-to-attend event.  Some popular viewing spots include the Volunteer Landing, the University of Tennessee, and Carl Cowan Park. The pyrotechnics display starts at 9:45 p.m. on July 4th, 2023. 

The 2023 Festival on the 4th, sponsored by the City of Knoxville, will be held in World’s Fair Park, and it starts at 5 p.m. Food vendors will be at the World’s Fair Park throughout the festivities. Information on the festival and other July 4th celebrations in Knoxville is online at www.visitknoxville.com. 

The July 4th holiday celebrations across Eastern Tennessee lakes are full of exciting events and festivities for the whole family. Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate America’s independence in style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Holiday Events in Knoxville, TN

by Lacey Spear
Large tree with star and lights in downtown Knoxville.
Photo Courtesy of Visit Knoxville
  • Knoxville, TN, hosts many beloved holiday events, including:
    • Christmas Lantern Express
    • Comcast Christmas at Chilhowee
    • Foothills Holiday Market
    • Celebration of Lights

Picture towering Christmas trees, winter train rides, enchanting lights, and bustling markets. This is Christmas in Knoxville, infusing a small-town holiday spirit into the metropolitan buzz of city life. With dozens of events, Knoxville provides plenty of opportunities to gather together and experience the joys of the season. Plus, many of these activities are perfect for all ages and lifestyles. So whether you live in a city apartment or on one of the nearby lakes—Fort Loudoun, Tellico, and Watts Bar—you can have yourself a merry little Christmas in Knoxville.

Christmas Lantern Express

Train with smoke surrounded by snowy scenery that offers holiday rides through Knoxville.
Photo Courtesy of The Tennessean

A Knoxville tradition since 1999, the Christmas Lantern Express is a two-hour Christmas train ride winding through the city’s wintry views. Three Rivers Rambler operates the train, and each car features a different holiday theme. On board, guests can enjoy holiday treats, storytime with celebrity readers, and a visit with Santa. It’s the perfect way to create your personal Polar Express experience with friends and family. The train runs from November 25-December 3, and you can purchase tickets here.

Comcast Christmas at Chilhowee

Lit up festive trees in a small lake.
Photo Courtesy of Visit Knoxville

If you’re looking for a fun and free holiday event, you can’t go wrong with Comcast in Chilhowee Park. The event runs from 6-9 pm on November 18 and begins with the tree lighting in the bandstand. Afterward, guests can take free photos with Santa and hop on the hayride to view the park’s charming Christmas lights. Additionally, kids can visit the crafts station and the holiday “Touch-A-Truck”—an exhibit showcasing decorated construction vehicles, firetrucks, and police cars. Check out the City of Knoxville’s event page for the address and other details.

Foothills Holiday Market

Many merchants under tents in a parking lot.
Photo Courtesy of Foothills Holiday Market

On December 3, Maryville’s Foothills Holiday Market will return for the seventh year. The event will take place from 10 am-4 pm in the Smithview Pavilion,  featuring food trucks and top vendors. If you love shopping for boutique clothing, farmhouse decor, jewelry, and vintage items, this market is the ideal place to check off some gifts from your Christmas list. Plus, this year, Santa will be making an appearance for the first time! Check out the event page here for the address and additional information.

Celebration of Lights

Downtown Knoxville full of people, building, a big star, and a Christmas tree.
Photo Courtesy of Visit Knoxville

Christmas in Knoxville is not complete without attending the beloved Celebration of Lights. The event will kick off at 5:15 on November 25 with live music in the Krutch Park Extension. Then, at 6 pm, the lighting of the tree ceremony will commence, boasting a 42-foot tall Mickey Mallonee Christmas tree. The event will also offer free activities and photos with Santa. Additionally, on Market Street, guests can visit the craft station, stop by Home Depot‘s Little Elves Workshop, write a letter to local veterans, and enjoy the splendid miniature train set. And, as if all of this is not enough, Evelyn Jack will perform jazzy holiday favorites on the Market Square Stage at 6:30. For more information, check out the City of Knoxville’s website.

So if you’re ready to experience Tennessee’s twist on the holiday season, mark your calendar for these top holiday events in Knoxville. From our lake home to yours, cheers to all things merry and bright!

A Knoxville tradition since 1999, the Christmas Lantern Express is a two-hour Christmas train ride winding through the city’s wintry views.

The train runs from November 25-December 3, and you can purchase tickets here.

Comcast Christmas in Chilhowee Park runs from 6-9 pm on November 18.

On December 3, Maryville’s Foothills Holiday Market will return for the seventh year. The event will take place from 10 am-4 pm in the Smithview Pavilion,  featuring food trucks and top vendors.

The event will kick off at 5:15 on November 25 with live music in the Krutch Park Extension. Then, at 6 pm, the lighting of the tree ceremony will commence, boasting a 42-foot tall Mickey Mallonee Christmas tree.

Evelyn Jack will perform jazzy holiday favorites on the Market Square Stage at 6:30.